Pro Wrestling News and Notes 1/16/07

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- OVW tag team Deuce & Domino debuted at the Smackdown tapings in Little Rock tonight. (www.wrestlingobserver.com)

-- 13 Questions With Candice Michelle

-- WWE sent out a press release announcing the signing of Natalie Neidhart who will be reporting to the Deep South developmental territory.

-- TNA Impact Spoilers from Orlando for the 1/18 and 1/24 episodes

-- New Japan president Simon Inoki announced Kurt Angle's participation at the promotion's 2/18 Sumo Hall show, although an opponent has not been chosen at press time, Inoki believes a tag team match will be set up. This can be the beginning of a talent exchange between New Japan and TNA as long as TNA is interested in using New Japan talent.

-- TNA at the Zamora Shrine Temple in Irondale, Alabama this Saturday: Kurt Angle vs Abyss; “The War Machine” Rhino vs “The Phenomenal” A.J. Styles; BG James of the Voodoo Kin Mafia vs Bobby Roode; Austin Starr vs Eric Young;Petey Williams vs Sonjay Dutt. Click here for tickets

-- From the UWF site: The United Wrestling Federation (UWF), owned by NASCAR driver and SPEED broadcaster Hermie Sadler announced today the signing of Amy Dumas, formerly known as "Lita" during her days in the WWE, to a contract for selected dates during 2007.

"This is another example of our commitment to bring the very best in professional wrestling to our fans, which is what they are accustomed to", stated UWF President Hermie Sadler. "We are excited to have Amy as a part of our company. This will be great for us and our fans." The date of Dumas' debut will be announced next week.

-- The latest Angry Marks podcast can be listened to here.

-- Christopher Daniels vs. Chris Hero vs. Claudio Castagnoli has been signed for ROH's 1/27 show in Edison, NJ. If Hero wins the ROH title the night before in Boston he will then defend the title against Samoa Joe in Edison and Homicide will take his place in the three-way. Roderick Strong vs. Delirious has been signed for 2/17 in Philadelphia, if Strong is still FIP champ by then he will defend it that night.

-- Demented Video Sent To ROH Offices

-- Announced for CZW's 8th Anniversary show on 2/10 so far:
- CZW World Heavyweight Championship: Justice Pain defends against Nick Gage
- Ultraviolent Underground Championship Match: Drake Younger defends against Danny Havoc and Vortekz in a three-way dance

-- Full Impact Pro Weekly Headlines for 1.16.07

Jake Roberts Makes Surprise Appearance, But Larry Sweeney Tries To Ruin It

You never know who is going to show up in FIP. In the past wrestlers like Sean Waltman have appeared as a surprise in FIP. This past Saturday in Crystal River, FL, the legendary Jake "The Snake" Roberts appeared unadvertised to a huge reaction from the packed house. However, brash newcomer Larry Sweeney took the opportunity to try to make his name at Roberts' expense.

While Roberts was signing autographs for the fans, Sweeney directed a number of insults towards Roberts in front of the huge crowd. Roberts tried to keep a calm head, but Sweeney finally got to him when he called him a "coward." Roberts then went to the ring only for Sweeney to cheap shot him. Roberts made a comeback and almost hit the DDT, but Sweeney managed to escape. To the shock of everyone, Roberts said he would wrestle Sweeney on February 3rd in Crystal River. Roberts and Sweeney will also be in the same building on February 2nd when FIP makes its debut in Melbourne, FL (www.FullImpactPro.com for more info).

"Sometimes I ask myself why I'm still here," Roberts said. "Sweeney you can call me old, but you can't call me a coward. If you antagonize a snake it will bite you and that is the lesson Larry Sweeney will learn in Melbourne and Crystal River."



Roderick Strong Challenges Davey Richards On Both Nights In February

FIP Heavyweight Champion Roderick Strong has been unstoppable since winning the FIP Heavyweight Title from Bryan Danielson in November. Strong has already successfully defended the belt against Shingo, Hallowicked, Steve Madison and after last weekend Brent Albright. Strong also defeated Davey Richards by countout on 12/22 at a ROH show in Hartford. Now Strong is looking to finish off Richards in Florida.

Strong has challenged Richards to face him on both nights when FIP returns to action on February 2nd in Melbourne and February 3rd in Crystal River. Each match will have a different stipulation that puts the emphasis on pro wrestling as a sport. The stipulations will be announced on the night of the show. The series will be known as the "Strong/Richards Classic" and is sure to produce to great, athletic bouts.

"I've never forgotten that you crashed my victory celebration when I won this title," Strong said. "I beat you by countout in Hartford, but that's not enough. I want to pin you Davey Richards, I want to make you tap. I say we settle this in one weekend. Two matches with two different stipulations that put the emphasis on pure wrestling, we'll let the wrestling do the talking."



Necro & Pondo vs. Briscoes War Is On

One of the wildest tag teams in all of wrestling is coming to FIP and they want the FIP Tag Team Titles. Necro Butcher & Mad Man Pondo will be making their FIP debuts in February and they have called out FIP Tag Team Champions Jay & Mark Briscoe. New GHC Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champions and current FIP Tag Team Champions Jay & Mark Briscoe are ready for the challenge. They want Necro & Pondo to bring the fight of their lives.

February 2nd in Melbourne will see singles competition with Necro Butcher vs. Mark Briscoe and Mad Man Pondo vs. Jay Briscoe. February 3rd in Crystal River will see a tag bout and the titles will be on the line. Don't expect these matches to be pretty. This is going to flat out be a fight.

"Bring the fight," Jay Briscoe said. "We ain't scared of gettin' punched in the face. We like to throw them fists. We like to take things out to the parking lot and duke it out. Its all about mannin' up. You are going to see what mannin' up is all about in Melbourne and Crystal River when we fight those hillbillies."



Check Out FIP At Best Buy & Other Retail Outlets

You can now buy FIP DVDs in person at Best Buy and other huge chain stores. You can see action with CM Punk, Homicide, Brian "Spanky" Kendrick, James "Noble" Gibson, Roderick Strong, Jimmy Rave and many others on these FIP DVDs. "The Usual Suspects" sees FIP crown its first tag team champions, but the inmates are running the asylum so don't call it a tournament. "Violence Is The Answer" sees the legendary Punk vs. Homicide feud end in an Anything Goes match plus Spanky vs. Roderick Strong and much more. Check out these titles now at Best Buy and other reputable stores for only $9.99.



The Skinny On February 2nd & 3rd

FIP will return to action for another big double shot in February. Jigsaw, Necro Butcher and Mad Man Pondo are all set for their FIP debuts. We'll have much more news in upcoming editions of the FullImpactPro.com Headlines. Here is a quick look at the talent roster and info for both nights:

Friday, February 2nd, 2007
Grant Street Community Center
2547 Grant St., Melbourne, FL 32901
Doors open at 7:30 pm and shows start at 8 pm
Tickets at the door - Adults $15 & Kids 13 and under only $5
Advance tickets - Adults $12 & Kids 13 and under only $4
For more info call - (321)368-0497
For advance ticket & venue info call - (321)674-5723

Already Signed:

FIP Heavyweight Title Match - Stipulation To Be Announced
Roderick Strong defends vs. Davey Richards

Jake "The Snake" Roberts will be in Melbourne and he is after Larry Sweeney

Special Challenge Match #1
Mark Briscoe vs. Necro Butcher

Special Challenge Match #2
Jay Briscoe vs. Mad Man Pondo

Plus more with:
-"Sweet & Sour" Larry Sweeney
-DP Associate Shingo with Dave Prazak & Mr. Milo Beasley
-"Explosive" Erick Stevens
-Seth Delay
-The YRR of Claudio Castagnoli, Sal Rinauro, Chasyn Rance & Kenny King with Daffney
-"Classic" Colt Cabana
-Black Market with Allison Danger
-Gran Akuma
-Hallowicked
-Jigsaw
-Ricky Vega
-Plus More To Be Announced!!!

Saturday, February 3rd, 2007
National Guard Armory
8551 W. Venable St., Crystal River, FL
Doors open at 7:30 pm and shows start at 8 pm
Tickets are $15 & Kids 13 and under only $5
Tickets are available at the door the night of the event
For more info call - (352) 422-4582

Already Announced:

Grudge Match
Jake "The Snake" Roberts vs. "Sweet & Sour" Larry Sweeney

FIP Heavyweight Title Match - Stipulation To Be Announced
Roderick Strong vs. Davey Richards

FIP Tag Team Championship Match
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Necro Butcher & Mad Man Pondo

Losers Leave Town for 90 Days!!!
Black Market w/ Allison Danger vs. The YRR w/ Daffney

Plus more with:
-DP Associate Shingo with Dave Prazak & Mr. Milo Beasley
-"Classic" Colt Cabana
-"Explosive" Erick Stevens
-Seth Delay
-The YRR of Claudio Castagnoli, Sal Rinauro, Chasyn Rance & Kenny King with Daffney
-Gran Akuma
-Hallowicked
-Jigsaw
-Plus More To Be Announced!!!

-- Big Japan fans now have a fan page to call their own.

-- AWA "ActionZone" this Friday at 725 Sip St (2nd FLOOR) Union City, NJ: AWA Heavyweight Championship-Manslaughter vs. Joe Hardway; Travis Blake vs. Sam Sational; Grim Reefer vs. Wes Draven; Brolly vs William Wyeth; Steve Scott vs. Thomas Rodriguez vs. Giovanni Marranca; Eddie Thomas vs. Javi-Air

-- JWA-United Wrestling School this Sunday at 3PM at 121 Jersey Avenue, 3rd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ

-- WUW - World Of Unpredictable Wrestling Saturday 1/27, 8PM at Gleasons Gym (77 Front Street) Brooklyn, NY: World Heavyweight Championship Title Match: 'Smooth Operator' Mike Gallagher vs Gorilla Deezu; Light Heavyweight Championship Match: Brian Anthony w/Liz Savage vs Minyon; North American Title Match: 'The Fireman' Mike Inferno vs "Pistol' Pete Fistz; 'Firebird' Jorge Santi vs The Muskateer; Tag Team Title Match: The Sunset Saints vs The Wifebeaters; Liz Savage vs Della Morte; Hosted by WWE Hall Of Famer "The Unpredictable" Johnny Rodz
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Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or referencing commentary from this site please include a link to meanfilipine.blogspot.com as opposed to "Strong Style Shimko", "From The Mean Filipine Blog" or derivatives. Thank you!

INDY WRESTLING NOTES: 1PW Closes, Castagnoli comments, WWE signs Shimmer wrestler, WSX notes, CZW shoots, more

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- INDY WRESTLING NOTES: 1PW Closes, Castagnoli comments, WWE signs Shimmer wrestler, WSX notes, CZW shoots, more

-- From 1PW's site:

Important Information Regarding 1PW

It is with the deepest regret and sadness that 1PW Promotions Limited announces today the company has ceased trading, effective today, and has entered into liquidation.

The cease of trading is effective immediately, and thus all future dates, including the January 13th No Turning Back show, are sadly cancelled.

On behalf of 1PW Promotions Limited I want to extend our heartfelt apology to anyone inconvenienced or disappointed by the cancellation of upcoming shows.

Fans who have purchased tickets to upcoming shows can send an e mail to ticketrefunds@hotmail.co.uk . All queries will be dealt with in a prompt and professional manner by our appointed insolvency practitioners.

Any enquiries of a commercial nature should be directed to David Ward, Kaye Littlewood Solicitors, The Blades Enterprise Centre, Forsyth Suite, John Street, Sheffield S2 4SU

Phil Lowe of Wrestlemag.com has more on the story.

-- Claudio Castagnoli posted a message on his Myspace page regarding rumors of his status as a U.S. resident, probably stemming from the situation with his WWE Developmental deal which has been delayed:

Ladies and Gentlemen this is an official statement issued by one Castagnoli Claudio.

There have been rumors about my status as a US resident, my visa, work visa and so forth.

Those rumors are FALSE.

These rumors hurt me, my integrity and my status in this country and business.

I’m a man of honor, pride and integrity.

I do have a green card or permanent resident card if you will and also do have a social security number. In case you don’t know, you need both of these in order to be and work in this country legally.

So before so called “News Sites” and “Newsletters” release heavy statements or rumors like that, they should really do their job. It’s called research.

Let me close by saying there was and is nothing wrong with my visa or residential status.

Sincerely,
Castagnoli, Claudio

-- From Today's Shimmer Women Athletes update:

Everyone at SHIMMER - WOMEN ATHLETES would like to congratulate Natalie Neidhart on achieving her goal of signing a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment earlier this week. We were fortunate enough to have Nattie as a part of the SHIMMER family during late 2006, and she fit in perfectly with the rest of the performers on our DVD series. A big thank you goes out to Nattie for her SHIMMER contributions.

Nattie Neidhart is a class act in every sense and has an extremely bright future in pro wrestling. She joins several fellow SHIMMER alumni currently under contract in the WWE developmental system -- Beth Phoenix, Krissy Vaine, Shantelle Taylor, and Nikita.

Nattie will appear on Volumes 6, 7, and 8 of the SHIMMER DVD series. Look for Volume 6 to be released within the next two weeks at ROHwrestling.com.

Best of luck, Nattie!

Post your thoughts in the following thread at the SHIMMER Forums...

http://shimmerwomen.proboards50.com/index.cgi?board=shimmer&action=display&thread=1167958006

-- Amy Dumas (Lita) is reportedly to work for Hermie Sadler's UWF promotion as PWInsider.com reported that she's signed with the company for an unspecified number of dates.

-- Wrestling Society X notes from PWInsider.com:
- The debut episode airs on MTV January 30th at 10:30PM and features Jack Evans vs. Matt Sydal and Vampiro, Sean Waltman, Teddy Hart, New Jack, Youth Suicide, Kaos, Puma, Al Katrazz, Justin Credible, and Chris Hamrick in an Over the Top Rope Elimination/Ladder match for two WSX contracts (for a WSX title match) which will be hanging above the ring. Black Label Society are the musical guests.
- The bands appearing on each episode opens the show and and later on sit in on commentary during matches.
- There will also be an internet companion show titled WSXtra with extra matches, interviews, vignettes and previews for upcoming WSX episodes.

-- CZW at the New Alhambra Arena next Saturday 1/13:
- CZW World Heavyweight Championship: Justice Pain defends against Chris Hero
- Iron Man Champion: LuFisto vs. "The Future of Hardcore" Nick Gage
- CZW World Tag Team Championship: Blackout: Onyx & Rainman defend against BLK OUT: Ruckus & Sabian
- CZW World Jr. Heavyweight Championship: Jigsaw defends against Hallowicked
- Ultraviolent Underground Championship Match:
- Drake Younger defends against the winner of Havoc/Vortex
- Ultraviolent Underground Championship #1 Contendership Match: Danny Havoc vs. Vortex
- Aerial Assault Match: Drew Gulak vs. Lucky vs. Ryan McBride vs. Cloudy
- Cheech vs. Andy Sumner vs. JC Ryder
- The Tough Crazy Bastards (Necro Butcher and Toby Klein) will re-unite!

-- Both Eddie Kingston and Necro Butcher are the subjects of a new shoot video series presented by CZW. Each shoot interview lasts 90 to 120 minutes and costs $15 a piece, and so far these videos are available only at CZW's show next Saturday.

-- The current lineup for ROH's 1/27 show in Edison, NJ:
- I Quit Match: Nigel McGuinness vs. Jimmy Rave
- Six Man Tag Team Match: Austin Aries, Roderick Strong & Jack Evans vs. Delirious, Davey Richards & Shingo
- Tag Team Challenge Match: Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Rocky Romero & Ricky Reyes

-- ROH has signed Colt Cabana will battle Jimmy Jacobs in a Windy City Death Match for the promotion's return to Chicago on 2/24

-- ROH'S OWNER CARY SILKIN TALKS ABOUT WORKING WITH TNA, DANIELSON-HOMICIDE, DANIELSON'S RETURN, FIFTH ANNIVERSARY AND MORE

-- It's Real!!! The Wrestling Radio Network presents The Dark Match LIVE on February 1st, 2007!!! The show will feature your returning Host James Young and now officially the Co-Host Wacko Bob to the prestigious WRN.

Listen in for the explanation to why TDM did indeed stop broadcasting, The latest in TNA, WWE, and what really is wrong with ECW, and tons more...

Be there... WrestlingRadioNetwork.com

A Chatroom will be available from the WRN homepage.

When: Thursday Nights from 7-8pm
Where: WrestlingRadioNetwork.com
Who: The Dark Match returns with Host and Co-Host James Young and Wacko Bob.

-- Another UFC fighter tests positive

-- Ivan Koloff "bears" all in new autobiography

-- Wrestling takes center ring at Roller King

-- A Bright idea from 'The Genius'

-- A legend of wrestling

-- Sarah Stock claims body building title

-- Ring report (Miami Herald)

-- Lampley Accuser: He Was High, Drunk & Violent

-- Hall of Fame wrestler Sgt. Slaughter visits here
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Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or referencing commentary from this site please include a link to meanfilipine.blogspot.com as opposed to "Strong Style Shimko", "From The Mean Filipine Blog" or derivatives. Thank you!